John Dunne may have come late to the sport of athletics, but he is certainly making his mark! Last week he represented Ireland in the World Masters Athletics championships at Lyon in France (4-8/7/15) and earned himself an individual silver medal and a team bronze in the Irish colours. Competing in the 8km cross country event the Donore Harriers man (25.21) was always to the fore before crossing the line just 4 seconds adrift of winner Michael Moissonier (25.17) of France, but well clear of 3^rd placed Vladimir Srb (25.39) of the Czech Republic. John was understandably “absolutely thrilled” after this fine achievement. The former Castleknock Celtic FC player who joined Donore Harriers in 2012 also contested the 5,000m track race and placed an excellent 8^th of 36 finishers in a time of 15.45.22. John commented after the race: “slower than I wanted, but racing in 38 degree heat is not ideal. Delighted with a top 10 finish…” John was just 8 seconds shy of his personal best time, which given the hot and humid conditions indicates that he ran to his maximum potential on the day. His coach John Downes, a former Irish senior international and the 1991 & 1996 National cross country champion, described his protégé as: “… a great team-man, totally dependable, trains smart and gives his all in competition … just wish he started in the sport 20 years earlier”.

In the over 50s Women’s 5,000m Walk Anne Gormley was forced to retire due to the searing heat.

In the National track and field championships at Santry on the weekend (8&9/8/15) Donore Harriers had a disappointing return of just two bronze medals. These came in the Men’s Javelin where Jaco Oosthuysen first throw of 58.19m proved to be good enough for 3^rd position – and in the 110m Hurdles when Simon Taggart (14.83) crossed the line behind the two big favourites Ben Reynolds (13.84) of North Down AC and Ger O’Donnell (14.05) of Carrick-on-Shannon AC.

Middle-distance specialist John Travers had a disappointing weekend on the track finishing 4^th in the 5,000m in a time of 14.36.90 and 6^th in the final of the 1,500m in 3.59.26. What was encouraging for the club was having 3 men contest the 1.500m final with Eric Keogh (4.03.89) finishing 10^th and Daragh Fitzgibbon (4.09.39) four places further back. Travers, Keogh and Fitzgibbon, who were all part of the Donore Harriers team that won the National Road Relay championship in April, qualified to the final with times of 3.59.16, 4.00.92 and 4.04.91 respectively.

Eamonn Fahey, the bronze medallist in 2014, missed out on the final of the 100m by just one-hundred of a second. Running in Heat 4 he placed 3^rd in 11.33 against a minus 3.4 wind reading. The wind reading was more favourable for the fastest loser qualifiers in the other heats, such are the fine margins in sprint races! Eamonn (11.09) took some consolation by winning the ‘B’ final.  

Barbara Cleary (17.00.75) produced a stand-out performance in the colours of Donore Harriers in the Women’s 5,000m. After a conservative start 42 years-old Barbara gained on a group of 4 athletes who were contesting 3^rd position. However, this group split up over the final 600m as the battle for bronze heated up. Barbara had to be content with 6^th position in a race won by Irish international Mary Cullen (16.07.40) of North Sligo AC.

The mother and daughter duo of Orlaith and Clodagh Read contested the Women’s 4kg Hammer; the family bragging rights going to juvenile athlete Clodagh. Clodagh impressed with a first round personal best throw of 39.36m to place 15^th, whilst Orlaith (31.24m) came 19^th in a field of 21 competitors.             

Michael McMahon (32.39.14) came 13^th in the 10,000m, Cathal O’Brien (1.75m) 6^th in the High Jump and track and field captain David Campbell (53.65) 7^th in heat 1 of the 400m.

In the Streets of Athboy 5km race on Friday evening (7/8/15) Dave Heffernan was a clear winner having 55 seconds to spare over runner-up Rory Mooney (unattached).

Finally, congratulations to Michelle Dawson on completing the 70.3 Half-Ironman race in Dublin (9/8/15) with a combined time of 6.59.02. 

World Masters Athletics Championships at Lyon, France (4/8/15): o/35 Men 8,000m Cross Country – 2^nd John Dunne (25.21) (led Ireland to team bronze); (7/8/15): o/35 Men 5,000m Track – 8^th John Dunne (15.45.22): o/50 Women’s 5,000m Walk – DNF Anne Gormley

National Track & Field Championships at Santry (8&9/8/15): DAY 1 = Men’s Javelin – 3^rd Jaco Oosthuysen (58.19m); Men’s 10,000 Final – 13^th Michael McMahon (32.39.14), DNF Aogan MacDomhnaill; Women’s 5,000m Final – 6^th Barbara Cleary F40 (17.00.75); Men’s 100m Heat 4 – 3^rd Eamonn Fahey (11.33); Men’s 1,500m Heat 1 – 4^th Eric Keogh (4.00.92), 8^th Daragh Fitzgibbon (4.04.91); Men’s 1,500m Heat 2 – 1^st John Travers (3.59.16); Men’s 400m Heat 1 – 7^th David Campbell (53.65)

DAY 2 = Men’s 110m Hurdles Final – 3^rd Simon Taggart (14.83); Men’s 5,000m Final – 4^th John Travers (14.36.90), DNF Lee Van Haeften; Men’s 100m ‘B’ Final – 1^st Eamonn Fahey (11.09); Men’s 1,500m Final – 6^th John Travers (3.59.26), 10^th Eric Keogh (4.03.89), 14^th Daragh Fitzgibbon (4.09.39); Men’s High Jump – 6^th Cathal O’Brien (1.75m); Women’s Hammer – 15^th Clodagh Read JNR (39.36m PB); 19^th Orlaith Read F40 (31.24m)

Naas 5km Pop-Up (5/8/15): 2^nd Rossa Hurley (17.43); 10^th Ian Redican M40 (20.00)

Streets of Athboy 5km (7/8/15): 1^st Dave Heffernan M40 (16.00)

Waterstown 5km Parkrun (8/8/15): 8^th Kenneth McKeon (20.53); 10^th Michael Barry Sen. (21.05 PB)

Streets of Galway 8km (9/8/15): 79^th Alasdair Brown (30.33)

70.3 Half Ironman Triathlon at Dublin (9/8/15): Michelle Dawson (6.59.02 = 1.9km swim in 49.11, 90km cycle in 3.37.26, 13.1km run in 2.19.54)

LATE RESULT: BHAA Dublin Fire Brigade 5km (26/7/15): 31^st Ian Redican M40 (20.07), 37^th Peter Nugent M45 (20.39), 40^th Des Gill M45 (20.53), 63^rd Colin Moore M45 (22.24), 76^th Colm Nugent M50 (23.04), 78^th Keith Daly M35 (23.26), 120^th Ann Woodlock F75 (27.43)

Waterstown 5km Parkrun (1/8/15): 9^th Noah Synnott u/13 (21.02), 22^nd Michael Barry u/12 (24.12)

Despite a nervous start Lauren O’Keeffe of Donore Harriers performed with distinction in the Girls Hammer event at the European Youth Olympics at Tbilisi in the Republic of Georgia last Thursday. Lauren had a foul on her first attempt and then recorded a wonderful series of throws of 54.84m, 57.35m, 56.06m and 56.75m – with her 57.35m throw being a personal best and good enough for 7^th position. 15 years old Lauren, who is coached by Gerry Ronan, is a student at Loreta Balbriggan and is in her second season at Donore Harriers. The club’s Juvenile Team Manager Leonie Newman said of Lauren’s result: “What a fantastic performance … and no better place to get a personal best than in an international event representing your country”   

In the Rock & Roll Half-Marathon held along a route that included the city centre quays, Kilmainham and the Phoenix Park last Sunday morning the Donore Harriers contingent was led home by Ken Nugent, who placed 23^rd in a fine time of 1.13.11. This result confirms a return to form for Nugent who has been hampered by injury over the last 18 months.

With the early morning rain giving way to a fresh morning breeze the conditions were ideal for running. Garvan Smith (45^thin 1.18.15), Phil Hennessy (49^th in 1.19.08) and Sean Fox (50^th in 1.19.28) packed well to win national bronze team medals in the Men’s over 35 category. Their combined time of 3h.37m.02s was over a half-minute quicker than 4^th placed North Sligo AC. Raheny Shamrocks AC won the category in 3h.50m.42s. The women’s over 35 team fared one better winning the silver team prize – as Alma Hanevy (277^th in 1.31.58), Breda Mahony (288^th in 1.32.14) and Elaine Verdon (952^nd in (1.46.19) achieved a combined time of 4h.50m.59s. Westport AC won with 4.45.51 with Raheny Shamrocks 3^rd in 4.51.28. One of the club’s most dedicated athletes Elaine Verdon was rewarded with her first national medal. Barry Potts, 325^thoverall in 1.33.7, won the Masters Men over 65 category, whilst the aforementioned Phil Hennessy was second individual in the M45 class.     

The Donore Harriers women’s team contested their first ever final of the National Track & Field League Division One at Tullamore on Sunday. Whilst a very young team came last of 8 teams the fact that so many junior and juvenile athletes comprised the team augurs well for future seasons. Notable performances came from Roisin Rynn-Cahill, who placed 3^rd in the 400m Hurdles in 73.55 and 5^th in the High Jump with a best of 1.35m; Lauren Kennedy (18.05) 3^rd in the 100m Hurdles; Aoife Lynch (26.33) 5^th in the 200m; and the mother and daughter pair of Orlaith and Clodagh Read who competed in the throwing events. Orlaith took 6^th in both the Javelin and Shot Putt with throws of 17.45m and 7.64m, whilst Clodagh gained two 7^th places in the Discus and Hammer with 19.46m and 32.72m. Senior athlete Karla Doran (5.00.84) placed 5^th in a competitive 1,500m, with F40 athlete Barbara Cleary (10.08.39) settling for 4^th in the 3,00m. Lucy McCann, an under 17s athlete, made her league debut and despite finishing 8^th in the 800m recorded a new best time of 2.33.17.

The final team result saw Tipperary County (116.5 points) in 1^st place ahead of Finn Valley AC (99). Donore Harriers had to settle for 8^th on 58 points – and a promise to return next year being older and stronger for the event.     

Donadea 5km (24/7/15): 3^rd Sean Fox M40 (17.11), 5^th Fred Kiernan M40 (17.21)

Dublin Open Graded Meeting No. 8 at Tallaght (29/7/15): Women’s 200m B – 1^st Aoife Lynch JNR (27.38); Men’s 200m B1 – 6^th Conor Fox JNR (24.52); Men’s 800m B2 – 9^th Luke Boland (2.07.64); Men’s 800m C1 – 2^nd Killian O’Hora (2.08.77); Men’s Discus – 1^st Oran O’Brien JNR (29.53)

Westport 5km Parkrun (1/8/15): 12^th / 1^st woman Nicola Dowdall F40 (22.21)

Naas 5km Parkrun (1/8/15): 4^th Ian Redican M40 (20.09)

Rock & Roll Half-Marathon at Dublin (2/8/15): 23^rd Ken Nugent (1.13.11), 45^th Garvan Smith M40 (1.18.15), 49^th / 2^ndM45 Phil Hennessy (1.19.08), 50^th Sean Fox M40 (1.19.28), 86^th Eoin Hannon (1.23.30), 114^th Paul Cummins (1.25.00), 127^th Alan Farrell M40 (1.26.05), 236^th Colin Morrissey (1.30.01), 237^th Niall P. O’Reilly (1.30.02), 277^th Alma Hanevy F35 (1.31.58), 288^th Breda Mahony F35 (1.32.14 PB), 325^th / 1^st M65 Barry Potts (1.33.27), 952^nd Elaine Verdon F35 (1.46.19), 1596^th Laura Murray (1.54.59 PB), 2467^th Dana Mackey F45 (2.04.35), 2765^th Kim Strickland (2.08.13)  

National o/35 Team (incorporated): MEN 1^st Raheny Shamrocks (3.50.42); 2^nd Mayo AC (3.53.37), 3^rd Donore Harriers <Smith, Hennessy, Fox> (3.37.02); 4^th North Sligo AC (3.37.36) 44 teams: WOMEN 1^st Westport AC (4.45.51), 2^ndDonore Harriers <Hanevy, Mahony, Verdon> (4.50.59), 3^rd Raheny Shamrocks (4.51.28) 41 teams.

Women’s National Track & League Final at Tullamore (2/8/15): 100m – 8^th Lynda Ngankam (13.29); 200m – 5^th Aoife Lynch JNR (26.33); 400m – 7^th Caoimhe Mackey JNR (66.66); 800m – 8^th Lucy McCann JNR (2.33.17 PB); 100mH – 3^rdLauren Kenndy JNR (18.05); 400mH – 3^rd Roisin Rynn-Cahill JNR (73.55); 1,500m – 5^th Karla Doran (5.00.84); 3,000m – 4^th Barbara Cleary F40 (10.08.39); High Jump – 5^th Roisin Rynn-Cahill JNR (1.35m); Long Jump – 5^th Ailise Keating JNR (3.78m); Triple Jump – 3^rd Lynda Ngankam (10.75m); Discus – 7^th Clodagh Read JNR (19.46m); Hammer – 7^th Clodagh Read JNR (32.72m); Javelin – 6^th Orlaith Read F40 (17.45m); Shot Putt – 6^th Orlaith Read F40 (7.64m); 4 x 100m – 5^thDonore Harriers (53.17); 4 x 400m – 7^th Donore Harriers (4.32.27)

Team: 1^st Tipperary County (116.5 points); 2^nd Finn Valley (99); 3^rd Kerry Athletics (89); 4^th Antrim Combined (85.5); 5^thSli Culann AC (67); 6^th Lagan Valley (67), 7^th Tullamore Harriers (66); 8^th Donore Harriers (58)

DLR Bay 10km at Dun Laoighaire (3/8/15): 9^th Patrick Moriarty (36.06)

European Youth Olympics at Tbilisi, Rep. of Georgia (30/7/15): Girls Hammer Final – 7^th Lauren O’Keeffe (57.35m PB)

Griffeen 5km Parkrun (25/7/15): 9^th / 1^st woman Lucy McCann u/17 (19.48 PB)

Waterstown 5km Parkrun (1/8/15): 5^th Noah Synnott u/13 (21.01)

In the last day of the national juvenile track and field competition in Tullamore, we had another national medal, this time by our U18 girls relay team of Roisin Rynn Cahill, Lauren Flattery, Ailbhe Healy and Aoife Lynch.  This was a great achievement for a new team so lots more to come from this group.  The U16 girls team of Robyn OKeeffe , Suzi OFarrell, Cara Brennan And Lucy Hurly were just outside the medals in 4th.  We had 2 U17 teams who finished 7th and 8th respectively.

In the Schools International track and field in Grangemouth stadium Scotland, Jack Rudden Kelly represented Ireland in the 110H and finished 6th in 13.92; he helped the Irish team to the overall silver medal, well done Jack.

We also wish the very best of luck to 16 year old Hammer thrower Lauren O’keeffe who represents Ireland this week at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Tiblisi Georgia.  Hopefully it will be the first of many Irish vests for Lauren.

Round 2 of the national league took place in Santry today and once again the ladies were able to cover every event thanks to our budding juvenile team, some of who competed in Tullamore the day before.  Maximum points were scored by Ailbhe Healy in the pole vault and earlier she came 4th in the 100 hurdles.  The ever consistent Anne Gormley was 2nd in the 1500k walk.  Late call-up Karla doran had an excellent 1500m finishing 2nd in her 3rd race in 7 days.  It was great to see Barbara Cleary back on form and putting it up to Teresa McGloin to finish 2nd in the 3000m.  Orlaith Read finished 3rd in the shot,  clodagh Read 3rd in the hammer and Aoife Lynch 3rd in the 200m.  We had  4th and 5th placed finishes in other events – some athletes were feeling the effects of other races, doubling up and holiday breaks but the important thing is g getting the team out.  While the points tally isn’t official yet, the ladies finished 5th in the Santry pool with 89.5 points on what was a competitive day – we anxiously await the official results and totals of both pools to see if it is enough to reach the final !

On the roads we had some podium finishes this week.  Karla Doran finished 3rd lady in the BHAA Dcc 5k in Irishtown in 19.19.  Colm O Connell finished 6th man in 16.25.
Breda Mahony was 2nd lady in the Mullingar 10 mile in 67.53.

Ken Norgrove was 1st M45 in the Fingal 10k swords in 34.30.  Grace Kennedy  finished 5th lady in 39.13 and Florence Curley 7th lady in 39.36.

Full results

BHAA DCC 5k
Colm Oconnell 6th 16.25 Karla doran 3rd lady 19.19 des gill 20.30 Julia Hackett 21.49 ann woodlock 1st W75 27.53

St James hospital 6k

Colin Moore 25.48 Lauren Brady 27.46 Emer fogarty 29.33 Aisling Hannon 30.05

Mullingar 10 mile

Dave Heffernan 20th 60.14 Derek O’Neill 64.23 Breda Mahony 2nd 67.53

Fingal 10k
Ken Norgrove 1st M45 34.30 Patrick moriarty 35.50 Patrick Byrne 37.15 Michael Gibbs 38.18 grace Kennedy 5th 39.13 Florence Curley 7th lady 39.36 Ariana ball 45.32 Catherine McKeon 49.55

Graded meet 7
100m B Ailise keating 13.55 3rd
100m C Sean Obroinn 12.17 1st
400m A David Campbell 54.16 5th
400mB Conor Fox 53.51 6th
400m C1 Zak Higgins 53.26 1st
400m C2 killian OHora 56.84 2nd
1500m Stephen Gavin 4.20.4 12th
1500m B1 Darragh Fitzgibbon 3.59.06 1st
1500m B2 Luke Boland 4.16.51 3rd

Park runs
Griffeen 1st George Brady 17.58
Waterstown 2nd Michael Barry 21.37 5th Noah Synott 22.04 Michael Barry Jr 22.37
Naas 7th Ian Redican 20.31

John Travers had to overcome a huge emotional hurt as he lined out for the final of the 1.500 metres at the World University Games in Gwangiu, South Korea last Friday (10/7/15). Having qualified for the final two days earlier by placing 2^nd in heat 3 in a fine time of 3.44.48 John had an outside chance of making the podium. Less than 48 hours to the final and the news from home was that his father Stephen had passed away following a long-term illness. John, who described his father as “a truly great friend and the most inspirational person in my life”, could not be faulted for sheer determination in the final.

The fast pace throughout the race did not suit John’s usual tactic of relying on his lightning finishing speed. The leaders passed the 800m mark in 1.58.16 with John in fourth place. However, a continued fast pace saw Travers slip to 9^th, before he rallied again in the closing stages to place 8^th in a fast time of 3.42.63. The race was won by Russian athlete Aleksei Kharitonov (3.39.13).

In the Irish Milers Club / GV Ryan track meeting at Santry on Saturday (11/7/15) Eamonn Fahey (48.78) placed 2^nd in the 400 metres, as he continues to progress in the event having moved up from the shorter sprint distances this season. In the 3,000m both Michael McMahon (8.55.46) and John Dunne (8.56.16) recorded personal bests as they placed 10^th and 11^th. In front of them Lee Van Haeften battled hard in blustery conditions to come home 4^th in 8.36.41. Eric Keogh (3.53.75) came 7^th in a competitive Ronnie Delany 1.500m race.        

With one race remaining in the Irish Mountain Running Association Leinster League Donore’s Niall Lynch is guaranteed of a top 2 placing following his latest good result in the series. Lynch (53.17) placed 2^nd in the penultimate race over a 12 kilometres course, with a total climb of 490 metres, at Ballinastoe near Roundwood (8/7/15).

George Brady (3.06.17) continues to be a prolific marathon runner as he placed 5^th in the Marathon Des Escargot at Portarlington.

The women’s section also had some encouraging results in the last week. A much improved Karla Doran (25.32) recorded a fine win in the women’s category of the Dunleer 4 mile road race; Ide Nic Dhomhnaill (26.02) was 3^rd woman home in theDrumcollogher 4 mile road race in County Limerick; and an ever improving Ashling Swaine (19.08) recorded yet another personal best when she placed 4^th woman in the Kinnegad 5km road race, with Emer Rattigan (19.50) in 5^th place.    

Day 2 and 3 of the National Juvenile Track & Field Championships took place at Tullamore over the weekend of 11^thand 12^th July. Donore Harriers gained 3 more medals; two in an exciting under 15 Boys 1,500m race. Thus, Louis O’Loughlin and Fathi Aden were back in action following their 1^st and 3^rd placings in the 800 metres competition on the previous weekend.  The tempo of the 1,500 metres final was high from the start. Ben Jones of Greystones AC set the early pace, before first O’Loughlin and then Aden took turns at the front. With 400 metres remaining it was the two Donore lads at the front with Jones and Conor Maguire of Monaghan Phoenix in hot pursuit. The final 200 metres was frantic! O’Loughlin (4.17.95) used his superior kick finish to reach the line as the clear winner, but the other 3 athletes were involved in a photo finish. After a long wait the result matched that of the 800m, as Ben Jones (4.20.17) came 2^nd and Fathi Aden (4.20.44) got the verdict for 3^rd spot. A fast finishing Conor Maguire (4.20.45) missed out by just one-hundred of a second. Both Louis and Fathi knocked over 8 seconds of their previous best times.

Donore’s other medal winner was Ailbhe Healy who took bronze with a personal best of 2.75m in the under 18 Girls Pole Vault.

Stephen Gavin (9.20.0) also recorded a PB when 5^th in the under 19 Boys 1,500m. Adam Maher could not improve on his second round throw of 41.27m in the under 16 Boys Hammer and had to settle for 5^th place, whilst Oran O’Brien was also just out the medals in the Boys under 18 age group. Oran placed 4^th in the Shot Putt with a 3^rd round throw of 11.69m and 5^thin the Discus with 36.23m. Rebecca Power (27.00m) came 6^th in the under 16 Girls Javelin.

A number of track athletes displayed their emerging talent. Conor Fox reached the final of the under Boys 400m with a heat time of 55.12, but had to settle for 8^th overall in a time of 55.51. Ailise Keating (13.32) came 6^th in the final of the under 19 Girls 100m. Other results are listed below. It should be noted that the under 17 Girls 1,500m race was run in torrential rain. As the officials and spectators all found cover 17 rain soaked athletes, including Donore’s Eliza Ni Thighearnaigh and Ciara Murphy, took to the start line and ran the whole race in a downpour. Eliza placed 12^th and Ciara 15^th.  

World University Games at Gwangju, South Korea (10/7/15) – Men’s 1,500m Final – 8^th John Travers (IRL) 3.42.63;(8/7/15) – Men’s 1,500m Heat 3 – 2^nd John Travers (3.44.48)

Drumcollogher 4 mile road race, Limerick (6/7/15): 24^th / 3^rd woman Ide Nic Dhomhnaill (26.02)

Irish Mountain Running Association Leinster League at Ballinastoe, Roundwood -distance 12km, climb 490m (8/7/15):2^nd Niall Lynch M40 (53.17), 16^th Gavin Byrne (58.13), 139^th Sarah Ni Ruairc F35 (1.47.18)

Kinnegad 5km Road Race (9/7/15): 34^th / 4^th woman Ashling Swaine (19.08 PB); 50^th / 5^th woman Emer Rattigan (19.50); 77^th Des Gill M40 (21.04); 130^th Jim McNamara M60 (23.19)

Irish Milers Club / GV Ryan Meet at Santry (11/7/15): Men’s 400m ‘A’ – 2^nd Eamonn Fahey (48.78), 6^th David Campbell (52.71); Men’s 400m ‘B’ – 7^th Adam Halpin JNR (55.69); Ronnie Delany 1,500m – 7^th Eric Keogh (3.53.75); Men’s 1,500m ‘C’ – 6^th Luke Boland (4.21.93); Men’s 3,000m ‘A’ – 4^th Lee Van Haeften (8.36.41), 10^th Michael McMahon (8.55.46 PB), 11^th John Dunne M35 (8.56.16 PB); Men’s 3,000m ‘B’ – 7^th Sam Allen (9.29.56)   

Marathon Des Escargot, Portarlington (11/7/15): 5^th George Brady M35 (3.06.17)

Griffeen 5km Parkrun (11/7/15): 6^th Derek O’Neill M45 (18.52)

Dunleer 4 mile road race (12/7/15): 35^th / 1^st woman Karla Doran (25.32)

LATE RESULT: BHAA / Irish Prison Service 5km at Phoenix Park (23/6/17): 44^th Alma Hanevy F35 (19.41), 45^th Noel Conway M40 (19.42), 46^th Ian Redican M40 (19.46), 50^th John Gleeson (20.01), 68^th Des Gill M45 (20.37), 111^th Terry Mee M70 (22.26), 208^th Ann Woodlock F75 (28.39)

National Juvenile Track & Field Championship Day 2 at Tullamore (11/7/15).

Bronze = u/18 Girls Pole Vault – 3rd Alibhe Healy (2.75m PB)
Other results: – u16 Girls 100m Heat 1 – 6th Suzi O’Farrell (13.09); u16 Girls Javelin – 6th Rebecca Power (27.00m); u17 Girls 100m Heat 1 – 7th Lauren Flaherty (13.51); u19 Girls 100m Final – 6th Ailise Keating (13.32); u16 Boys Hammer – 5th Adam Maher (41.27m); u16 Boys 3,000m – 10th Sekeriye Ahmed (10.24.67); u18 Boys Shot Putt – 4th Oran O’Brien (11.69m); u19 Boys 100m Heat 1 – 6th Sean Classman (11.74); u19 Boys 400m Heat 1 – 4th Conor Fox (55.12 Q): u19 Boys 400m Final – 8th Conor Fox (55.51); u19 Boys 3,000m – 5th Stephen Gavin (9.20.0 PB)

National Juvenile Track & Field Championships Day 3 at Tullamore (12/7/15).
Gold – u/15 Boys 1500m – 1st Louis O’Loughlin (4.17.95 PB)
Bronze – u/15 Boys 1500m – 3rd Fathi Aden (4.20.44 PB)
Other results – u/16 Girls 200m Heat 2 – 8^th Robyn O’Keeffe (28.48); u/17 Girls 300m Hurdles Heat 2 – 5th Roisin Rynn-Cahill (51.60); u/17 Girls 1500m Final – 12th Eliza Ni Thighearnaigh (5.21.93), 15th Ciara Murphy (5.35.17) run in torrential rain; u/18 Girls Triple Jump – 8th Leanne Brosnan (9.23m); u/18 Boys 1500m Heat 2 – 10th Michael Gibbs (4.32.63); u18 Boys Discus – 5th Oran O’Brien (36.23m)Discus – 5^th Oran O’Brien (36.23m); u/19 Boy 200m Heat 1 – 5^th Conor Fox (24.29)

The front running of Donore Harriers pair Louis O’Loughlin and Fathi Aden in the Boys 800m under 15s category was one of the highlights of Day 1 of the National Juvenile Track & Field championships at Tullamore last Saturday (4/7/15). Both boys won their respective heats with Louis recording a time of 2.11.39 and Fathi 2.12.55. In the final the tactic was for Fathi to take up the pace so as to burn out the opposition and set the race up for his team-mate. With 200 metres to go Fathi Aden led with Louis and Ben Jones of Greystones AC in close pursuit. The remainder of the field were out the back door, being some 20 metres further back. In the final 100 metres Louis (2.04.92) again displayed his finishing kick to win his first national title in the black and white of Donore Harriers. Fathi (2.09.90) faded and had to give way to Ben Jones (2.07.2), settling for a bronze medal. Louis and Fathi both recorded personal best times.

Donore’s other medal winners were Jack Rudden-Kelly (15.34) who placed 2^nd in the u/17 Boys 100m Hurdles – and newcomer Keri Noonan who won the bronze medal in the u/14 Girls Hammer with her sixth and final throw of 29.10 metres.

Other notable performances came from 4^th placed Beth Kirwan (33.94m) who was just 13cm short of a medal in the u/15 Girls Hammer; Suzanne Masterson (8.28.73) who came 5^th in the 2,000m Steeplechase beating her previous best time by 8 seconds; an improving Robyn O’Keeffe (21.28m) who placed 8^th in the u/16 Girls Discus; and Lucy McCann (2.29.26) who broke the 2.30 barrier for the first time when placing 12^th in the u/17 Girls final. Whilst Conor O’Ceallaigh may not have reached the final of the Boys u/14s 800m, his personal best time of 2.21.63 when placing 7^th in the semi-final augurs well for his future in athletics.

In the 6^th Dublin Open Graded Track & Field meeting of the summer at Tallaght (1/7/15) Eamonn Fahey (49.04) showed good form ahead of the national league and championship races by winning the 400m ‘A’ race. Track captain David Campbell (53.02) won the 400m ‘B’ race ahead of club colleague and junior category athlete Conor Fox (54.59). Other junior athletes showed good form as Karen Hughes (66.41) and Caoimhe Mackey (66.46) placed 3^rd and 4^th in the women’s 400m ‘B’ race; Stephen Gavin (9.23.01) knocked almost 12 seconds off his previous best time in the 3,000m ‘A’ race placing 11^th; and Oran O’Brien (10.88m & 33.71m) placed 3^rd in the Shot Putt and 2^nd in the Discus.

In the National u/23 Track & Field championships at Tullamore on Sunday (5/7/15) Daragh Fitzgibbon (4.03.72) and Sam Allen (4.22.33) placed 6^th and 11^th respectively in a competitive 1,500 metres race.   

In the latest Irish Mountain Running Association Leinster League race at Trooperstown last Wednesday Niall Lynch (42.46) came 2^nd, with Graham Hopkins 5^th in 44.09. The race was run over a distance of 9 kilometres with a total climb of 430 metres. Lynch leads the competition with just two races remaining in the series. 

In the Ironman European Triathlon Championship at Frankfurt (5/7/15) Andy Kinane came an excellent 230^th overall with a total time of 10.26.01 and Niall J. O’Reilly placed 809^th in a field of 2,200 plus competitors with a total time of 11.51.03.

In the South O’Hanlon 5km road race near Navan (1/7/15) Sorcha Nic Dhomhnaill (19.05) placed 36^th overall and 4^thwoman home, with Jim McNamara (23.31) in 93^rd spot claiming 2^nd prize for the over 65s.

There were Saturday morning (4/7/15) Parkrun 5km series wins for Ken Nugent (17.00) at Tymon Park; Gavin Byrne (18.02) at Waterstown; and Barbara Murray (19.51) at St. Anne’s Park.

In the Achill Half-Marathon on Sunday (5/7/15) Alma Hanevy (1.30.51) had a fine run, placing 42^nd overall and 4^th in the over 35 class just 3 seconds short of 3^rd place.                                                                                        

Dublin Open Graded Meeting No. 6 at Tallaght Track (1/7/15): 400m ‘A’ – 1^st Eamonn Fahey (49.04); 400m ‘B1’ – 1^stDavid Campbell (53.02), 2^nd Conor Fox JNR (54.59), 4^th Killian O’Hora (54.81); 400m ‘C1’ – 6^th Sean O’Broin M45 (58.41); Women’s 400m ‘B2’ – 3^rd Karen Hughes JNR (66.41), 4^th Caoimhe Mackey JNR (66.46); 3,000m ‘A’ -11^th Stephen Gavin JNR (9.23.01 PB): 3,000m ‘C1’ – 1^st Paul Cummins (9.49.53); Women’s 3,000m ‘A’ – 11^th Ide Nic Domhnaill (10.50.43); Men’s Shot Putt – 3^rd Oran O’Brien JNR (10.88m); Men’s Discus – 2^nd Oran O’Brien JNR (33.71m)   

South O’Hanlon 5km Road Race at Senchelstown, Navan (1/7/15): 36^th / 4^th woman Sorcha Nic Dhomhnaill (19.05), 93^rd/ 2^nd M65 Jim McNamara (23.31)

IMRA Leinster League at Trooperstown Hill 9.00km with climb of 430 metres (1/7/15): 2^nd Niall Lynch M40 (42.46), 5^th Graham Hopkins M40 (44.09) 

Achill Half-Marathon (4/7/15): 42^nd / 4^th F35 Alma Hanevy (1.30.51)

Clontarf Half-Marathon (4/7/15): Nicola Dowdall (1.48.54), Laura Murray (1.55.54 PB)

Clontarf 5 Mile (4/7/15): Bob Blake (32.09), Julia Hackett (36.55)

Clarisford 5km Parkrun (4/7/15): 16^th / 4^th woman – Angela O’Dea (24.29)

Griffeen 5km Parkrun (4/7/15): 3^rd George Brady M35 (18.32)

St. Anne’s 5km Parkrun (4/7/15): 11^th / 1^st woman Barbara Murray F40 (19.51)

Tymon 5km Parkrun (4/7/15): 1^st Kenneth Nugent (17.00)

Waterstown 5km Parkrun (4/7/15): 1^st Gavin Byrne (18.02), 3^rd Colin Morrissey M35 (19.54)

National Junior & u/23 Track & Field Championships at Tullamore (5/7/15): u/23 1,500m – 6^th Daragh Fitzgibbon (4.03.72), 11^th Sam Allen (4.22.33)

Ironman European Triathlon Championship at Frankfurt (5/7/15): 230^th Andy Kinane = Swim (1.06.42), Bike (5.25.47), Run (3.40.55), Overall (10.26.01: 809^th Niall J. O’Reilly = Swim (1.29.27), Bike (6.05.42), Run (4.04.22), Overall (11.51.03)

Donore Harriers star junior athlete Sean Lawlor teamed up with Tallaght AC pair Eoin Doherty and Joseph Ojewumi and Zak Irwin from Sligo AC on the Irish team (40.89) that came 5^th in the 4 x 100m relay at the Mainheim Junior Gala last weekend (27&28/6/15). Running in the 3^rd leg Sean played his part in helping the team achieve the qualifying standard for the European Junior Championships to be held in Sweden next month.

Sean (21.93) finished 5^th in the semi-final of the 200m at the same meeting.

At the British Milers Club Grand Prix meeting at Watford on Saturday (27/6/15) Lee Van Haeften (14.28.65) ran a personal best time when placing 8^th in a very competitive 5,000m ‘B’ race. At the same event Eric Keogh (3.50.44) came 9^th in the 1.500m ‘D’ race, being two seconds short of his previous best time for the distance.

There was a good turn-out of Donore athletes in the Irish Runner 5 mile road race in the Phoenix Park on Saturday (27/6/15). Graham Hopkins (27.58) was the first clubman home placing 25^th overall and 3^rd in the M40 category. Other notable performances came from – Phil Hennessy (28.11), who crossed the line in 28^th position and won M45 class; Grace Kennedy (31.30) who came 105^th overall and 3^rd in the senior women’s race; Florence Curley (32.54) who was 3^rd in the women’s over 40 category when she was the 165^th athlete home; and Terry Mee (37.35) who won the M70 age group placing 510^th overall. Special mention for Laura Murray who got a new personal best of 38.54.

At the St. Coca’s 5km road race on Friday evening (26/6/15) Chris Muldoon (16.04) won the M40 category, placing 17^th overall. Sinead Graham (20.30) was the 17^th senior woman over the line as she placed 139^th overall.

Regular marathon runner George Brady (2.59.24) came 13^th overall in the Viking Waterford Marathon on Saturday (27/6/15). Newcomer Michael Barry (20.37) continues to improve gaining a new PB when he placed 3^rd overall at the Poppintree 5 kilometres Parkrun(27/6/15).     

After a marathon time-out Niall Lynch returned to his mountain running exploits and ran out the winner of the latest round of theLeinster Mountain Running league at Brockagh, near Laragh last Wednesday (24/6/15). Niall covered the 10.43km route with a total climb of 424 metres in 49.39. Niall remains 2^nd overall in the league series but has a ‘run in hand’. Sarah Ni Ruairc (1.05.34) lies 27^thoverall in the women’s series after placing 74^th at Brockagh.

In the Austria Ironman Triathlon event on Sunday (28/6/15) Kim Hickey recorded a time of 10 hours and 26 minutes placing as the 5^th woman in her age category, whilst Medbh Peavoy finished 12th in her category in 12 hours 50 minutes.

The Donore Harriers juvenile team has been boosted by the news that Hammer thrower Lauren O’Keeffe u/17s has been selected to compete in the forthcoming Youth Olympics in Tbilisi.   

At the St. Coca’s 5km road race six athletes from the juvenile distance squad competed with 4 gaining personal bests. Under 15s athlete Fathi Aden (16.43) came 25^th overall in the race and was the 2^nd junior home. Despite making a big effort at the start of the race he held on to gain a PB by just one second. Michael Gibbs (17.14) and Nahom Alem (17.31) both under 18s achieved new best times when placing 44^th and 52^nd overall (4^th and 6^th in the Junior category). Ciara Murphy u/17s (19.52) deserved just reward for her dedication in training to break the 20 minutes barrier for the first time. She placed 126^th overall and was the 3^rd junior girl.  

In the Parkrun 5km series Michael Barry u/12s (22.25) came 10^th at Poppintree and Noah Synnott u/13s (21.25) was also 10^th atWaterstown.

In the National Juvenile Combined Events championships at Tullamore (27/6/15) Lucy Hurley u/16s, a newcomer to this kind of competition, performed admirably placing 7^th overall with 2161 points. Her best effort in the 5 disciplines competition came in her favoured High Jump when she cleared 1.55m.

In the Children’s Games Team championships at the same venue Donore Harriers had just one pair of competitors as under 11s Brooke Fagan (2.04.96) and Grace Raftery (2.03.78) teamed up to place 11^thin the 600 metres race in a combined time of 4.08.74.     

IMRA Leinster League at Brockagh, Laragh 10.43km with climb of 424 metres (24/06/15): 1^st Niall Lynch (49.39), 74^th Sarah Ni Ruairc (1.05.34) 

St. Coca’s 5km at Kilcock (26/06/15): 17^th / 1^st M40 Chris Muldoon (16.04), 139^th / 17^th SenF Sinead Graham (20.30)

Viking Waterford Marathon (27/06/15): 13^th George Brady M35 (2.59.24)

Irish Runner 5 mile at Phoenix Park (27/06/15): 25^th / 3^rd M40 Graham Hopkins (27.58), 28^th / 1^st M45 Phil Hennessy (28.11), 81^st / 36^th Sen Patrick Byrne (30.34), 89th / 10^th M40 Alan Farrell (30.55), 105^th / 3^rd SenF Grace Kennedy (31.30), 136^th / 21^st M40 Ian Redican (32.20), 160^th / 3^rd Jnr Michael Gibbs (32.25), 165^th / 3^rd F40 Florence Curley (32.54), 231^st / 18^th M45 Peter Nugent (34.01), 253^rd/ 5^th F35 Alma Hanevy (34.19), 357^th / 110^th M35 Gerard Morris (35.44), 506^th / 30^th SenF Ariana Ball (37.26), 510^th / 1^st M70 Terry Mee (37.35), 655^th / 39^th SenF Laura Murray (38.54 PB), 792^nd / 58^thM45 Marc Gibbs (40.24), 825^th / 44^th F35 Catherine McKeon (41.11), 2107^th / 170^th F40 Leigh Miller (47.01)

British Milers Club Grand Prix at Watford (27/06/15): Men’s 1,500m ‘D’ – 9^th Eric Keogh (3.50.44); Men’s 5,000m ‘B’ – 8^th Lee Van Haeften (14.28.65 PB)

Poppintree 5km Parkrun (27/06/15): 3^rd Michael Barry (20.37 PB)

Malahide 5km Parkrun (27/06/15): 7^th Donal Iremonger M40 (19.08)

Hartstown 5km Parkrun (27/06/15): 9^th Tom Fagan M45 (21.05)

Mannheim Junior Gala (27&28/06/15): 200m Semi-Final – 5^th Sean Lawlor u/19s (21.93); 4 x 100m – 5^th Ireland <leg 3 Sean Lawlor> (40.89)
LATE RESULT: BHAA Trinity Track Races (10/06/15): Women’s 1,200m ‘B’ – 10^th Ann Woodlock F70 (6.26.0): Men’s 1,200m ‘A’ – 6^th Luke Boland (3.27.5), 9^th Will Morris M40 (3.36.1): Men’s 1,200m ‘B’ – 1^st George Brady M35 (3.45.3): Men’s 1,200m ‘C’ – 13^th Des Gill M45 (4.17.2), 20^th Terry Mee M70 (4.44.9)

NOTE: Results of BHAA 5km series not yet available

St. Coca’s 5km at Kilcock (26/06/15): 25^th / 2^nd Jnr Fathi Aden u/15s (16.43 PB); 36^th / 4^th Jnr Michael Gibbs u/18s (17.14 PB); 44^th/ 6^th Jnr Nahom Alem u/18s (17.31 PB); 52^nd / 7^th Jnr Sekeriye Ahmed u/16s (17.50); 126^th / 3^rd JnrF Ciara Murphy (19.52 PB); 126^th / 12^th Jnr Paul O’Neill u/18s (20.13)

National Juvenile Combined Events at Tullamore (27/06/15): u/16 Girls – 7^th Lucy Hurley 80mH 14.23 / 545pts; Long Jump 4.43m / 411pts; High Jump 1.55m / 678pts, Shot Putt 6.61m / 310pts, 800m 3.17.95 / 216pts = 2161pts

Children’s Games Team Events at Tullamore (27/06/15): u/11 Girls Team – 600m 11^th Donore Harriers (4.08.74 – Brooke Fagan 2.04.96 and Grace Raftery 2.03.78)

Waterstown 5km Parkrun (27/06/15): 10^th Noah Synnott u/13s (21.25)

Poppintree 5km Parkrun (27/06/15): 10^th Michael Barry u/12s (22.25)

John Travers helped Ireland to gain 6^th position from 12 teams in theEuropean Team Athletics Championships (First League / 2^nd Tier)at Heraklion in Crete on Sunday (21/6/15). Competing in an eventful 3,000m Travers relied on his big finishing ‘kick’ to gain from 9^th to 3^rd position in the final 200 metres. The early stage of the race was slow and Travers settled into the main group in about 4^th or 5^thposition. When Heliu Gomes of Portugal took up the lead at the halfway mark he was closely followed by Travers. However, the front group of 9 runners remained closely bunched and a lack of concentration saw the Donore Harriers athlete slip back to 9^th position with only half a lap remaining. There was much for John to do to rally to Ireland’s cause and moving out to lane 3 coming into the home straight he charged towards the line gaining to 3^rd and added a valuable 10 points for the national team score. Halil Akkas of Turkey won in 8.12.00 with Dennis Licht (8.12.28) of Netherlands next, Travers (8.12.76) ran a season’s best for the distance with Heliu Gomes (8.12.88) of Portugal in 4^th place.

In the Michael Manning 10km road race at Dunshaughlin on Saturday (20/6/15) Chris Muldoon (34.04) led home a large contingent of Donore Harriers athletes when he crossed the finish line in 31^st place. A consistent Colm O’Connell (34.29) was next home in 35^th position, whilst Philip Hennessy (34.39) – showing a good return to form – came 38^th and took the runner-up prize in the M45 category. Further down the field two evergreen Donore athletes continue to hold back the years as Terry Mee (45.26) and Jim McNamara (47.02) came 3^rd and 4^th in the M60 class despite both men being in their 70s.

In the Dublin Open Graded Meeting at Santry on Wednesday (17/6/15) Lee Van Haeften took up the front running task in the Men’s 1,500 metres ‘A’ race after a slow opening lap. However, he was overtaken in the final stages of the race and had to settle for 4^thplace in a time of 4.04.14. In the 1,500m ‘B’ race junior athlete Stephen Gavin (4.14.43) lowered his personal best when placing 3^rd. The 5,000m race, which incorporated the Dublin championship, had 3 Donore Harriers athletes in a competitive field. Michael McMahon (15.32.68) came 8^th – with M35 athlete John Dunne (15.41.47) in 12^thand Aogan MacDomhnaill (15.49.99) in 14^th.

It was another busy week for the club’s juvenile section and not least u/17s Hammer thrower Lauren O’Keeffe. Chasing a qualifying mark for the European Youth Olympics Lauren took part in 3 events in the space of 5 days. Her best effort came in the Dublin Open Graded contest when she threw the 3kg Hammer a winning distance of 55.88m, an agonising 12cm short of the qualifying standard!  Another under 17s athlete Clodagh Read came 3^rd in the same contest with a best throw of 49.08m, whilst Orlaith Read (32.88m) came 1^st in the women’s over 40 category.

In the Tailteann Games at Santry on Friday (19/6/15) the under 17 Boys 100m Hurdles contest saw a one-two for Donore athletes as Jack Rudden-Kelly (13.85) edged out Alex Clarkin (14.00) in an enthralling contest. The season head-to-head between the two lads is now 2 to 2 with the National Juvenile competition up next.

There were two silver medals for Donore athletes in the Leinster Juvenile Track & Field championships at Tullamore at the weekend (20&21/6/15). In the under 17 Girls 200m final Aoife Lynch (26.14) smashed her previous personal best time, having qualified with time of 26.69. A competition fatigued Lauren O’Keeffe (49.08) had to settle for 2^nd place in the under 17 Girls Hammer with a best of 49.08m.

The final part of the Dublin Juvenile Track & Field championshipstook place at the Tallaght track on Friday evening (19/6/15) with the Even-Age group relays. Donore Harriers had 7 teams competing and finished with a return of two silver medals. The first came in the under 16 Girls 4 x 100m as Cara Brennan, Rebecca Power, Robyn O’Keeffe, Suzy O’Farrell recorded a time of 53.24. The other silver came in the under 18s Girls 4 x 100m with Ailbhe Healy, Roisin Rynn-Cahill (stepping-up), Lauren O’Flaherty (stepping-up) and Aoife Simm recording a time of 53.46. The club finished with a record total of 58 medals in the Dublin Juvenile championships.

Dublin Open Graded Track & Field Meeting at Santry (17/06/15):

Women’s 200m ‘A’ – 4^th Aoife Lynch JNR (26.52), 5^th Karen Hughes JNR (27.89): Men’s 200m ‘B’- 2^nd Conor Fox JNR (24.26), 4^th Adam Halpin JNR (24.77): Men’s 200m ‘C1’- 6^th Darren Hughes (26.13): Men’s 200m ‘C2’ – 3^rd Killian O’Hora (25.17), 4^th Sean O’Broin M45 (25.30): Men’s 1,500m ‘A’ – 4^th Lee Van Haeften (4.04.14): Men’s 1,500m ‘B1’ – Sam Allen (4.17.0): Men’s 1,500m ‘B2’ – 3^rdStephen Gavin JNR (4.14.43 PB): Men’s 5,000m ‘A’ inc. Dublin Championship – 8^th Michael McMahon (15.32.68), 12^th John Dunne M35 (15.41.47), 14^th Aogan MacDomhnaill (15.49.99): Men’s 5,000m ‘B’ – 3^rd Luke Boland (16.40.4), 6^th George Brady M35 (17.27.89): Women’s Hammer – 1^st Lauren O’Keeffe JNR (55.88m 3kg), 3^rd Clodagh Read JNR (49.08m 3kg), 8^th / 1^st F40 category Orlaith Read (32.88m 4kg).

IMRA Leinster League at Djouce Woods 9.80km with climb of 580 metres (17/06/15): 140^th Sarah Ni Ruairc (1.47.21)  

Docklands 5km (18/06/15): 34^th / 5^th M40 Shane McAuley (17.41 PB). 92^nd / 1^st F40 Florence Curley (19.14), 101^st Alma Hanevy (19.22), 332^nd Colin Moore M45 (22.13)

Shannon Runway 5km Run (19/06/15): 2^nd woman Sorcha Nic Dhomhnaill (18.15), ?? Ide Nic Dhomhnaill (18.45)

Waterstown 5km Parkrun (20/06/15): 3^rd Gavin Byrne (17.31), 10^thMichael Barry Snr (21.33)

Poppintree 5km Parkrun (20/06.15): 1^st Graham Hopkins M35 (17.10)

Michael Manning 10km at Dunshaughlin (20/06/15): 31^st / 5^th in M40 Chris Muldoon (34.04), 35^th Colm O’Connell (34.29), 38^th / 2^ndin M45 Phil Hennessy (34.39), 64^th Will Morris (35.55), 73^rd Paul Cummins (36.19), 85^th George Brady (36.39), 132^nd Bernard Byrne (38.16), 135^th / 31^st in M40 Fred Kiernan  (38.22), 152^nd Colin Morrissey (38.47), 178^th Niall O’Reilly (39.35), 201^st Rossa Hurley (39.54). 236^th / 6^th in M55 Tony Griffin (41.14), 259^th Emer Rattigan (42.03), 287^th Rhona Duane (42.50), 309^th Grainne Nolan (43.41), 368^th / 3^rd in M60 Terry Mee (45.26), 423^rd / 4^th in M60 Jim McNamara (47.02), 431^st Bernie Maloney (47.13), 466^th / 34^th in M45 (47.46), 501^st / 26^th in F40 Mary Murphy (48.21), 634^th Eilish Joyce (52.42)

Castleknock 5km (21/06/15): 99^th Colin Moore M45 (22.42), 301^stHilary O’Connor F35 (27.50), 414^th Declan Raftery M40 (30.41)